Monday, November 22, 2010
BLOG SUSPENDED
The Tuna Sports blog has been suspended until further notice. Thank you all for supporting the blog.
Thursday, September 9, 2010
2010 NFL Season Predictions
First of all I would like to thank everyone who has taken the time to visit my blog. I am truly blown away by the amount of people who have dropped by. Secondly I want to apologize for not finishing the Two-A-Days NFL previews in time for the regular season opener. Life has thrown a lot of crazy things my way.
Right now I want to give you my predictions for the 2010 NFL season and my choice for Super Bowl XLV Champions.
AFC Division Winners:
East-Jets
South-Colts
North-Ravens
West-Chargers
Wild Cards: Bengals, Patriots
NFC Division Winners
East-Cowgirls
South-Saints
North-Packers
West-49ers
Wild Cards: Giants, Vikings
AFC Champions: Ravens
NFC Champions: Packers
Super Bowl XLV Champions: Green Bay Packers
Right now I want to give you my predictions for the 2010 NFL season and my choice for Super Bowl XLV Champions.
AFC Division Winners:
East-Jets
South-Colts
North-Ravens
West-Chargers
Wild Cards: Bengals, Patriots
NFC Division Winners
East-Cowgirls
South-Saints
North-Packers
West-49ers
Wild Cards: Giants, Vikings
AFC Champions: Ravens
NFC Champions: Packers
Super Bowl XLV Champions: Green Bay Packers
Thursday, September 2, 2010
Two-A-Days: Baltimore Ravens and Arizona Cardinals Preview
Baltimore Ravens
Key Additions: WR Anquan Boldin, QB Marc Bulger, K Shayne Graham, WR Donte’ Stallworth, LB Sergio Kindle, DT Terrence Cody, Ken Hamlin
Key Subtractions: WR Kelley Washington, DE Dwan Edwards
The Baltimore Ravens come into the 2010 after two very good years, but failing to reach the big game with QB Joe Flacco. Flacco has lead his team well in his young career, and with the addition of QB coach Jim Zorn, Flacco will take even bigger steps with the additions made in the offseason. Anquon Bolidin was acquired from the Cardinals in the off season to give Flacco the big target hes lacked since he started. Derrick Mason and Mark Clayton are good receivers, but do not bring the presence Boldin does do opposing defenses. Now that Boldin is here, both Mason and Clayton should see more room down field to make catches. Ray Rice ran for over 1,300 yards last season earning a spot in the Pro Bowl. With McGahee as his backup and a solid offensive line up front, the Ravens are prime for a deep run into the playoffs this season.
The Ravens were ranked third in the NFL last season in total defense lead by their long time leader Ray Lewis. With the addition of Sergio Kindle to the defense, the Ravens defense gets a lot better. Kindle will play alongside Lewis and Terell Suggs. Up front, Mount Cody will be groomed into action by Lewis and Pro Bowler Haloti Ngata. The Ravens were number one in the NFL last season in yards per carry against, 3.4. In the secondary, Ed Reed always provides the opportunity to take an interception and turn it into 6 points. But beyond the aging Reed, the Ravens are facing questions in the secondary. Corners Fabian Washington and Lardarius Webb are recovering from injuries, and Domonique Foxworth has not been consistent. If the Ravens have a weakness, its in pass coverage. They may be vulnerable to the big play if their are inconsistencies in the secondary. And come playoff time, receivers seem to show up a lot more than they do in the regular season, leaving them exposed. This is the biggest obstacle to overcome if they are to make it to Dallas in February.
Schedule:
1 Mon, Sep 13 at NY Jets
2 Sun, Sep 19 at Cincinnati
3 Sun, Sep 26 Cleveland
4 Sun, Oct 3 at Pittsburgh
5 Sun, Oct 10 Denver
6 Sun, Oct 17 at New England
7 Sun, Oct 24 Buffalo
8 BYE
9 Sun, Nov 7 Miami 1:00 PM
10 Thu, Nov 11 at Atlanta
11 Sun, Nov 21 at Carolina
12 Sun, Nov 28 Tampa Bay
13 Sun, Dec 5 Pittsburgh
14 Mon, Dec 13 at Houston
15 Sun, Dec 19 New Orleans
16 Sun, Dec 26 at Cleveland
17 Sun, Jan 2 Cincinnati
The Ravens have the 12th hardest schedule and opponents were 130-126 last season. They catch the AFC East and NFC South this year. The Ravens open up with against two playoff teams and two tough road games at New England and Pittsburgh. Their schedule doesn't get much better after the Bye either, traveling to the pass happy Texans and then at home against the Super Bowl Champs. A tough schedule, but look for the Ravens to be prime for a deep run this year.
Arizona Cardinals
Key Additions: QB Derek Anderson, G Alan Faneca, K Jay Feely, OLB Joey Porter, S Kerry Rhodes, NT Dan Williams
Key Losses: WR Anquan Boldin, QB Kurt Warner, S Antrel Rolle, OLB Bertrand Berry, LB Karlos Dansby, CB Bryant McFadden, LB Chike Okeafor, K Neil Rackers
The Cardinals enter the 2010 season two years removed from a Super Bowl, but huge question marks surrounding their offense. With Kurt Warner announcing his retirement and Anquan Boldin being traded to the Ravens, the Cards have some questions that so far have gone unanswered. The most critical one is who is going to be the quarterback. With the inconsistent play of Matt Leinart so far in the preseason, the Cards have began exploring the possibility of trading Leinart, according to reports. Leinart has appeared visibly frustrated with his receivers and the coaching staff so far in the preseason. It might be best for both parties for Leinart to move somewhere else and for Derek Anderson to start for the Cards. Anderson has done well in the snaps he has gotten. Regardless of who starts at quarterback, the Cards lost one of the most physical receivers in the NFL. What Boldin brought to the team not only made him look good, but cleared space for WR Larry Fitzgerald to work over secondaries, giving defensive coaches nightmares. Now WR Steve Breaston will be asked to fill his shoes, and he has the capability to do so. Early Doucet also gives the Cards good depth. The two headed monster of RB Beanie Wells, who had an excellent rookie season, and Tim Hightower will keep defenses honest. Receivers and RB will not be as big a problem as the QB situation will be if the Leinart situation isn't handled quickly.
The Cardinals have a lot of stars to replace on defense this season. Karlos Dansby and S Antrel Rolle left as free agents in the offseason, and the team traded CB Bryant McFadden. They traded for S Kerry Rhodes, a former Pro Bowler, but failed to replace Dansby. Joey Porter, 33, is not a viable replacement for a Pro Bowler with 109 and 119 tackles the previous two seasons. Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie is their top corner, but the team traded Bryant McFadden in the offseason, and his expected replacements have limited experience. Luckily, the AFC West does not house any high flying offenses.
Schedule:
1 Sun, Sep 12 at St. Louis
2 Sun, Sep 19 at Atlanta
3 Sun, Sep 26 Oakland
4 Sun, Oct 3 at San Diego
5 Sun, Oct 10 New Orleans
7 Sun, Oct 24 at Seattle
8 BYE
8 Sun, Oct 31 Tampa Bay
9 Sun, Nov 7 at Minnesota
10 Sun, Nov 14 Seattle
11 Sun, Nov 21 at Kansas City
12 Mon, Nov 29 San Francisco
13 Sun, Dec 5 St. Louis
14 Sun, Dec 12 Denver
15 Sun, Dec 19 at Carolina
16 Sat, Dec 25 Dallas
17 Sun, Jan 2 at San Francisco
The Cardinals have the easiest schedule in the NFL and opponents were 114-142 last season. They catch the AFC West and NFC South this season. Their schedule could not be any more favorable as they catch the Super Bowl Champs and Dallas at home. They do have two tough road games at Minnesota and at San Diego. Look for the Cards to contend in what I consider the weakest division in the NFL, But do not be shocked if they miss the playoffs.
Comments
Key Additions: WR Anquan Boldin, QB Marc Bulger, K Shayne Graham, WR Donte’ Stallworth, LB Sergio Kindle, DT Terrence Cody, Ken Hamlin
Key Subtractions: WR Kelley Washington, DE Dwan Edwards
The Baltimore Ravens come into the 2010 after two very good years, but failing to reach the big game with QB Joe Flacco. Flacco has lead his team well in his young career, and with the addition of QB coach Jim Zorn, Flacco will take even bigger steps with the additions made in the offseason. Anquon Bolidin was acquired from the Cardinals in the off season to give Flacco the big target hes lacked since he started. Derrick Mason and Mark Clayton are good receivers, but do not bring the presence Boldin does do opposing defenses. Now that Boldin is here, both Mason and Clayton should see more room down field to make catches. Ray Rice ran for over 1,300 yards last season earning a spot in the Pro Bowl. With McGahee as his backup and a solid offensive line up front, the Ravens are prime for a deep run into the playoffs this season.
The Ravens were ranked third in the NFL last season in total defense lead by their long time leader Ray Lewis. With the addition of Sergio Kindle to the defense, the Ravens defense gets a lot better. Kindle will play alongside Lewis and Terell Suggs. Up front, Mount Cody will be groomed into action by Lewis and Pro Bowler Haloti Ngata. The Ravens were number one in the NFL last season in yards per carry against, 3.4. In the secondary, Ed Reed always provides the opportunity to take an interception and turn it into 6 points. But beyond the aging Reed, the Ravens are facing questions in the secondary. Corners Fabian Washington and Lardarius Webb are recovering from injuries, and Domonique Foxworth has not been consistent. If the Ravens have a weakness, its in pass coverage. They may be vulnerable to the big play if their are inconsistencies in the secondary. And come playoff time, receivers seem to show up a lot more than they do in the regular season, leaving them exposed. This is the biggest obstacle to overcome if they are to make it to Dallas in February.
Schedule:
1 Mon, Sep 13 at NY Jets
2 Sun, Sep 19 at Cincinnati
3 Sun, Sep 26 Cleveland
4 Sun, Oct 3 at Pittsburgh
5 Sun, Oct 10 Denver
6 Sun, Oct 17 at New England
7 Sun, Oct 24 Buffalo
8 BYE
9 Sun, Nov 7 Miami 1:00 PM
10 Thu, Nov 11 at Atlanta
11 Sun, Nov 21 at Carolina
12 Sun, Nov 28 Tampa Bay
13 Sun, Dec 5 Pittsburgh
14 Mon, Dec 13 at Houston
15 Sun, Dec 19 New Orleans
16 Sun, Dec 26 at Cleveland
17 Sun, Jan 2 Cincinnati
The Ravens have the 12th hardest schedule and opponents were 130-126 last season. They catch the AFC East and NFC South this year. The Ravens open up with against two playoff teams and two tough road games at New England and Pittsburgh. Their schedule doesn't get much better after the Bye either, traveling to the pass happy Texans and then at home against the Super Bowl Champs. A tough schedule, but look for the Ravens to be prime for a deep run this year.
Arizona Cardinals
Key Additions: QB Derek Anderson, G Alan Faneca, K Jay Feely, OLB Joey Porter, S Kerry Rhodes, NT Dan Williams
Key Losses: WR Anquan Boldin, QB Kurt Warner, S Antrel Rolle, OLB Bertrand Berry, LB Karlos Dansby, CB Bryant McFadden, LB Chike Okeafor, K Neil Rackers
The Cardinals enter the 2010 season two years removed from a Super Bowl, but huge question marks surrounding their offense. With Kurt Warner announcing his retirement and Anquan Boldin being traded to the Ravens, the Cards have some questions that so far have gone unanswered. The most critical one is who is going to be the quarterback. With the inconsistent play of Matt Leinart so far in the preseason, the Cards have began exploring the possibility of trading Leinart, according to reports. Leinart has appeared visibly frustrated with his receivers and the coaching staff so far in the preseason. It might be best for both parties for Leinart to move somewhere else and for Derek Anderson to start for the Cards. Anderson has done well in the snaps he has gotten. Regardless of who starts at quarterback, the Cards lost one of the most physical receivers in the NFL. What Boldin brought to the team not only made him look good, but cleared space for WR Larry Fitzgerald to work over secondaries, giving defensive coaches nightmares. Now WR Steve Breaston will be asked to fill his shoes, and he has the capability to do so. Early Doucet also gives the Cards good depth. The two headed monster of RB Beanie Wells, who had an excellent rookie season, and Tim Hightower will keep defenses honest. Receivers and RB will not be as big a problem as the QB situation will be if the Leinart situation isn't handled quickly.
The Cardinals have a lot of stars to replace on defense this season. Karlos Dansby and S Antrel Rolle left as free agents in the offseason, and the team traded CB Bryant McFadden. They traded for S Kerry Rhodes, a former Pro Bowler, but failed to replace Dansby. Joey Porter, 33, is not a viable replacement for a Pro Bowler with 109 and 119 tackles the previous two seasons. Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie is their top corner, but the team traded Bryant McFadden in the offseason, and his expected replacements have limited experience. Luckily, the AFC West does not house any high flying offenses.
Schedule:
1 Sun, Sep 12 at St. Louis
2 Sun, Sep 19 at Atlanta
3 Sun, Sep 26 Oakland
4 Sun, Oct 3 at San Diego
5 Sun, Oct 10 New Orleans
7 Sun, Oct 24 at Seattle
8 BYE
8 Sun, Oct 31 Tampa Bay
9 Sun, Nov 7 at Minnesota
10 Sun, Nov 14 Seattle
11 Sun, Nov 21 at Kansas City
12 Mon, Nov 29 San Francisco
13 Sun, Dec 5 St. Louis
14 Sun, Dec 12 Denver
15 Sun, Dec 19 at Carolina
16 Sat, Dec 25 Dallas
17 Sun, Jan 2 at San Francisco
The Cardinals have the easiest schedule in the NFL and opponents were 114-142 last season. They catch the AFC West and NFC South this season. Their schedule could not be any more favorable as they catch the Super Bowl Champs and Dallas at home. They do have two tough road games at Minnesota and at San Diego. Look for the Cards to contend in what I consider the weakest division in the NFL, But do not be shocked if they miss the playoffs.
Comments
Thursday, August 12, 2010
Two-A-Days: Green Bay Packers and Philadelphia Eagles Preview
Green Bay Packers
Key additions: OT Bryan Bulaga, DE Mike Neal
Key Subtractions: DE Johnny Jolly, LB Aaron Kampman
The Packers have big expectations in 2010 after qualifying last season as a wild card team and losing in overtime to the Arizona Cardinals in the first round. The demise last season was the offensive line, which the Packers addressed in their first round selection of Bryan Bulaga. Bulaga joins an o-line that ranked last in the NFL last year giving up 51 sacks. The Packers lost the playoff game last year on a sack/interception of Aaron Rodgers. Rodgers is a Pro Bowl quarterback who uses his legs well and has escape ability, but no one can play the position while on their back. The line must do a better job early in the season and protect him better. Rodgers targets continue to play well. Donald Driver and Greg Jennings had good years, and the emergence of TE Jermichael Finley will benefit the Packers in the red zone. James Jones and Jordy Nelson are good depth receivers who have good chemistry with Rodgers so far. The Packers were 2nd in the NFL last year with 17 passing plays over 40 yards. Ryan Grant carried most of the load for the Packers last season and put up some nice numbers, topped by 4.4 yards per carry and 11 TDs. Behind Grant are unproven backs, so an injury to him could make the offense significantly one dimensional if one does not step up.
The Packers defense ranked 2nd in the NFL last season behind the New York Jets. That can be attributed to their top ranked rushing defense which gave up 3.6 yards per carry, 1,333 yards, and 83.3 yards per game. Up front, Ryan Picket led the way along with B.J. Raji and the now suspended Johnny Jolly. Neal should take over for Jolly. In the Packers new 3-4 system under defensive coordinator Dom Capers, the transition went well. Linebacker Nick Barnett lead the team in tackles last year, and A.J. Hawk and Clay Mathews lead that group along with Barnett to a strong defense that should continue to do well this year. However, the Packers failed in the playoffs to defend the pass. They are however very good at taking the ball away and making big players. Charles Woodson played like the premier corner he is, but Al Harris' injury hurt. They need him healthy this year in a secondary that has a few Pro Bowlers and a lot of potential.
Schedule:
1 Sun, Sep 12 at Philadelphia
2 Sun, Sep 19 Buffalo
3 Mon, Sep 27 at Chicago
4 Sun, Oct 3 Detroit
5 Sun, Oct 10 at Washington
6 Sun, Oct 17 Miami
7 Sun, Oct 24 Minnesota
8 Sun, Oct 31 at NY Jets
9 Sun, Nov 7 Dallas
10 BYE
11 Sun, Nov 21 at Minnesota
12 Sun, Nov 28 at Atlanta
13 Sun, Dec 5 San Francisco
14 Sun, Dec 12 at Detroit
15 Sun, Dec 19 at New England
16 Sun, Dec 26 NY Giants
17 Sun, Jan 2 Chicago
The Packers have the 22nd hardest schedule and opponents were 125-131 last season.
They catch the AFC East and NFC East this year, two divisions with at least 3 expected playoff contenders. Looking at the schedule right now, only 3 games look like slam dunks, the rest will be very interesting matchups for the Packers, who face a few high powered offenses. Look for them to be around when December rolls around.
Philadelphia Eagles
Key Additions: DE Brandon Graham, RB Mike Bell, S Marlin Jackson, LB Ernie Sims, LB Alex Hall, DE Darryl Tapp
Key Subtractions: QB Donovan McNabb, WR Reggie Brown, CB Sheldon Brown, WR Kevin Curtis, RB Brian Westbrook, Will Witherspoon
The Eagles enter the 2010 season with a fresh face at QB. Donovan McNabb was thought of so highly by the Eagles that they traded him to a team in their own division, someone they will see twice a year. Out goes McNabb, in comes Kevin Kolb, an inexperienced and unknown gunslinger who must lead a team that would have been prime to win a Super Bowl with his predecessor. Kolb is surrounded by plenty of weapons. Lesean McCoy had a decent rookie year and will see his carry load increase, and Mike Bell will provide a nice change of pace. The receivers for the Eagles include one of the best deep threats in the league, DeSean Jackson. Jackson was the focal point of the big play passing offense last year that had the Eagles leading the league with 21 passing plays of 40 or more yards. Jeremy Maclin, Jason Avant, and TE Brent Celek will make Kolbs transition a lot easier. But if Kolb does not pick up the offense quickly enough and causes turnovers, look for Andy Reid to feel the pressure to put in Michael Vick.
The Eagles highly emphasized the defense this offseason, drafting DE Brandon Graham in the first round to play opposite veteran Trent Cole. The Eagles were tied for third in the NFL last year in sacks. The Eagles acquired two linebackers in the offseason and drafted two more. They ranked ninth in the league against the run last year. They must be able to stop the run to force opponents into throwing the ball in uncomfortable down and distances in order to create turnovers, something they are very good at. They had 25 INT's last season, 4th in the league led by Assante Samuel who had 9. Overall the defense still appears weak against the run, especially with the unproven players at linebacker. With the explosive offenses in the NFC East, the Eagles might run into problems this year trying to stop them.
Schedule
1 Sun, Sep 12 Green Bay
2 Sun, Sep 19 at Detroit
3 Sun, Sep 26 at Jacksonville
4 Sun, Oct 3 Washington
5 Sun, Oct 10 at San Francisco
6 Sun, Oct 17 Atlanta
7 Sun, Oct 24 at Tennessee
8 BYE
9 Sun, Nov 7 Indianapolis
10 Mon, Nov 15 at Washington
11 Sun, Nov 21 NY Giants
12 Sun, Nov 28 at Chicago
13 Thu, Dec 2 Houston
14 Sun, Dec 12 at Dallas
15 Sun, Dec 19 at NY Giants
16 Sun, Dec 26 Minnesota
17 Sun, Jan 2 Dallas
The Eagles have the 9th hardest schedule in the league and opponents were 133-123 last season. They catch the NFC North and AFC South this season. The Eagles benefit from an easy schedule early, however after the BYE the schedule gets really tough. The whole month of December features three divisional games, two of which on the road, and games against the explosive Texans and the Favre led Vikings. Expect the Eagles to have a tough time staying in the race down the stretch this season.
Key additions: OT Bryan Bulaga, DE Mike Neal
Key Subtractions: DE Johnny Jolly, LB Aaron Kampman
The Packers have big expectations in 2010 after qualifying last season as a wild card team and losing in overtime to the Arizona Cardinals in the first round. The demise last season was the offensive line, which the Packers addressed in their first round selection of Bryan Bulaga. Bulaga joins an o-line that ranked last in the NFL last year giving up 51 sacks. The Packers lost the playoff game last year on a sack/interception of Aaron Rodgers. Rodgers is a Pro Bowl quarterback who uses his legs well and has escape ability, but no one can play the position while on their back. The line must do a better job early in the season and protect him better. Rodgers targets continue to play well. Donald Driver and Greg Jennings had good years, and the emergence of TE Jermichael Finley will benefit the Packers in the red zone. James Jones and Jordy Nelson are good depth receivers who have good chemistry with Rodgers so far. The Packers were 2nd in the NFL last year with 17 passing plays over 40 yards. Ryan Grant carried most of the load for the Packers last season and put up some nice numbers, topped by 4.4 yards per carry and 11 TDs. Behind Grant are unproven backs, so an injury to him could make the offense significantly one dimensional if one does not step up.
The Packers defense ranked 2nd in the NFL last season behind the New York Jets. That can be attributed to their top ranked rushing defense which gave up 3.6 yards per carry, 1,333 yards, and 83.3 yards per game. Up front, Ryan Picket led the way along with B.J. Raji and the now suspended Johnny Jolly. Neal should take over for Jolly. In the Packers new 3-4 system under defensive coordinator Dom Capers, the transition went well. Linebacker Nick Barnett lead the team in tackles last year, and A.J. Hawk and Clay Mathews lead that group along with Barnett to a strong defense that should continue to do well this year. However, the Packers failed in the playoffs to defend the pass. They are however very good at taking the ball away and making big players. Charles Woodson played like the premier corner he is, but Al Harris' injury hurt. They need him healthy this year in a secondary that has a few Pro Bowlers and a lot of potential.
Schedule:
1 Sun, Sep 12 at Philadelphia
2 Sun, Sep 19 Buffalo
3 Mon, Sep 27 at Chicago
4 Sun, Oct 3 Detroit
5 Sun, Oct 10 at Washington
6 Sun, Oct 17 Miami
7 Sun, Oct 24 Minnesota
8 Sun, Oct 31 at NY Jets
9 Sun, Nov 7 Dallas
10 BYE
11 Sun, Nov 21 at Minnesota
12 Sun, Nov 28 at Atlanta
13 Sun, Dec 5 San Francisco
14 Sun, Dec 12 at Detroit
15 Sun, Dec 19 at New England
16 Sun, Dec 26 NY Giants
17 Sun, Jan 2 Chicago
The Packers have the 22nd hardest schedule and opponents were 125-131 last season.
They catch the AFC East and NFC East this year, two divisions with at least 3 expected playoff contenders. Looking at the schedule right now, only 3 games look like slam dunks, the rest will be very interesting matchups for the Packers, who face a few high powered offenses. Look for them to be around when December rolls around.
Philadelphia Eagles
Key Additions: DE Brandon Graham, RB Mike Bell, S Marlin Jackson, LB Ernie Sims, LB Alex Hall, DE Darryl Tapp
Key Subtractions: QB Donovan McNabb, WR Reggie Brown, CB Sheldon Brown, WR Kevin Curtis, RB Brian Westbrook, Will Witherspoon
The Eagles enter the 2010 season with a fresh face at QB. Donovan McNabb was thought of so highly by the Eagles that they traded him to a team in their own division, someone they will see twice a year. Out goes McNabb, in comes Kevin Kolb, an inexperienced and unknown gunslinger who must lead a team that would have been prime to win a Super Bowl with his predecessor. Kolb is surrounded by plenty of weapons. Lesean McCoy had a decent rookie year and will see his carry load increase, and Mike Bell will provide a nice change of pace. The receivers for the Eagles include one of the best deep threats in the league, DeSean Jackson. Jackson was the focal point of the big play passing offense last year that had the Eagles leading the league with 21 passing plays of 40 or more yards. Jeremy Maclin, Jason Avant, and TE Brent Celek will make Kolbs transition a lot easier. But if Kolb does not pick up the offense quickly enough and causes turnovers, look for Andy Reid to feel the pressure to put in Michael Vick.
The Eagles highly emphasized the defense this offseason, drafting DE Brandon Graham in the first round to play opposite veteran Trent Cole. The Eagles were tied for third in the NFL last year in sacks. The Eagles acquired two linebackers in the offseason and drafted two more. They ranked ninth in the league against the run last year. They must be able to stop the run to force opponents into throwing the ball in uncomfortable down and distances in order to create turnovers, something they are very good at. They had 25 INT's last season, 4th in the league led by Assante Samuel who had 9. Overall the defense still appears weak against the run, especially with the unproven players at linebacker. With the explosive offenses in the NFC East, the Eagles might run into problems this year trying to stop them.
Schedule
1 Sun, Sep 12 Green Bay
2 Sun, Sep 19 at Detroit
3 Sun, Sep 26 at Jacksonville
4 Sun, Oct 3 Washington
5 Sun, Oct 10 at San Francisco
6 Sun, Oct 17 Atlanta
7 Sun, Oct 24 at Tennessee
8 BYE
9 Sun, Nov 7 Indianapolis
10 Mon, Nov 15 at Washington
11 Sun, Nov 21 NY Giants
12 Sun, Nov 28 at Chicago
13 Thu, Dec 2 Houston
14 Sun, Dec 12 at Dallas
15 Sun, Dec 19 at NY Giants
16 Sun, Dec 26 Minnesota
17 Sun, Jan 2 Dallas
The Eagles have the 9th hardest schedule in the league and opponents were 133-123 last season. They catch the NFC North and AFC South this season. The Eagles benefit from an easy schedule early, however after the BYE the schedule gets really tough. The whole month of December features three divisional games, two of which on the road, and games against the explosive Texans and the Favre led Vikings. Expect the Eagles to have a tough time staying in the race down the stretch this season.
Wednesday, August 4, 2010
Two-A-Days: Cincinnati Bengals and New England Patriots Preview
Cincinnati Bengals
Key Additions: WR Antonio Bryant, WR Terrell Owens, WR Matt Jones, S Gibril Wilson, TE Jermaine Gresham, DE Carlos Dunlap, WR Jordan Shipley
Key Subtractions: WR Levarnues Coles, K Shayne Graham, RB Larry Johnson
The Bengals come into the 2010 season looking to defend their AFC North title from a year ago. The Bengals did a lot in the offseason to improve the passing game which was not a strength a year ago as they ranked near the bottom in the league. They signed both Antonio Bryant and Terrell Owens and also drafted Jermaine Gresham and Jordan Shipley. With those additions to go along with Chad OchoCinco, the passing game should be much better in 2010. But that all depends on Carson Palmer. Palmer's numbers were not great last year even though he started all 16 games. His 3,094 yards, 21 TD's, and 83.6 rating were all career lows in which he started all 16 games. The strength of the Bengals was their running game. Cedric Benson resurrected his career and rushed for 1,251 yards despite missing two games to injury. With the additions the Bengals made in the offseason to improve the passing game, this could help the Benson and the backfield tremendously. Bernard Scott and Brian Leonard will back-up Benson, but he is the primary guy. If the offensive line can protect Palmer and the Bengals can become much more balanced and consistent, their offense will improve on their 19.1 points per game average in 2009.
The Bengals defense in 2009 ranked fourth in the NFL in total defense lead by defensive coordinator Mike Zimmer. Antwan Odom missed most of the season with injury but is expected to be ready to start the season. The Begals drafted Carlos Dunlap, a troubled but athletic defensive end from Florida who should see some significant playing time. Robert Geathers and Tank Johnson are veteran players who will show Dunlap what it will take to succeed in the league. Linebackers Dhani Jones and Ray Maualuga along with Keith Rivers make up a strong starting 3 linebacking corps. The Bengals ranked 7th in the NFL in rushing defense in 2009. Corners Leon Hall and Johnathan Joseph also are play makers in the secondary and the addition of veteran Gibril Wilson will help make the secondary better in 2010.
Schedule:
1 Sun, Sep 12 at New England
2 Sun, Sep 19 Baltimore
3 Sun, Sep 26 at Carolina
4 Sun, Oct 3 at Cleveland
5 Sun, Oct 10 Tampa Bay
6 BYE
7 Sun, Oct 24 at Atlanta
8 Sun, Oct 31 Miami
9 Mon, Nov 8 Pittsburgh
10 Sun, Nov 14 at Indianapolis
11 Sun, Nov 21 Buffalo
12 Thu, Nov 25 at NY Jets
13 Sun, Dec 5 New Orleans
14 Sun, Dec 12 at Pittsburgh
15 Sun, Dec 19 Cleveland
16 Sun, Dec 26 San Diego
17 Sun, Jan 2 at Baltimore
The Bengals have the 4th hardest schedule in the NFL and opponents were 138-118 last season. The catch the AFC East and NFC South this season. They catch Pittsburgh after the Roethlisburger suspension, but face tough non divisional road games at the Colts and home against the Chargers. Tough schedule any way you look at it, but look for the Bengals to fight hard to retain that AFC North title from a year ago.
New England Patriots
Key Additions: TE Alge Crumpler, WR Torry Holt, OLB Jermaine Cunningham, MLB Brandon Spikes, CB Devin McCourty, TE Aaron Hernandez, TE Rob Gronkowski
Key Subtractions: DE Jarvis Green, LB Junior Seau, CB Shawn Springs, LB Adalius Thomas, TE Benjamin Watson, TE Chris Baker
The Pats come into the 2010 season coming off another division title last season, but they will have a tougher time this year as the Jets and Miami have lowered the gap between them. Tom Brady came back last season after tearing his ACL in the first game of the 2008 season and started all 16 games. He is one of the elite quarterbacks in the league and still has plenty left. Wes Welker tore his MCL and ACL in the finale of the regular season last year and although he is in camp, it is unlikely he will put up the numbers this year he has in the past. More emphasis will be put on Randy Moss and Jullian Edelman will be the primary receivers someone is going to have to step up among the Pats reserves. They brought in a lot of TE's this offseason which will create a lot of options for Brady in the red zone. Expect them to run more double tight end sets with Welker probably out, something they have not done a lot of in the past. The running backs on the team are all over 30 but all produce. Fred Taylor, Kevin Faulk and Sammy Morris probably see an equal amount of carries in order to keep all of them fresh and healthy for the entire season. The Pats have one of the best offensive lines in football that have a good mix of veterans and young players. What it will come down to is when will Welker be back and how will he play.
The Pats began to overhaul their defense last season. Richard Seymour was traded before the season started last year and Jarvis Green is gone. Ty Warren and Vince Wilfork are the leaders of the line and must continue to play at a high level. The Pats drafted 2 Florida linebackers who stood out well in college. Cunningham is a good pass rusher who can be nice in the OLB in a 3-4. Spikes will take more time to develop to get used to the pro game, especially the speed. Jarrod Mayo and Tully Banta-Cain played well last season. With these additions, it just comes down to how well these players pick up the playbook and avoid mistakes. The secondary got some help with the drafting of CB Devin McCourty. Leigh Bodden, Darius Butler, and Brandon Meriweather round out the secondary. The Pats struggled though on third down in passing situations. They were second to last in the league ahead of only Detroit as opponents were 37.7% on third down when passing. By not getting off the field, it wears defenses down the longer the drives go and forces your high powered offense to sit on the bench. The Pats must do a better job of that this season or they will not be playing in Dallas in February.
Schedule:
WK DATE OPPONENT
1 Sun, Sep 12 Cincinnati
2 Sun, Sep 19 at NY Jets
3 Sun, Sep 26 Buffalo
4 Mon, Oct 4 at Miami
5 BYE
6 Sun, Oct 17 Baltimore
7 Sun, Oct 24 at San Diego
8 Sun, Oct 31 Minnesota
9 Sun, Nov 7 at Cleveland
10 Sun, Nov 14 at Pittsburgh
11 Sun, Nov 21 Indianapolis
12 Thu, Nov 25 at Detroit
13 Mon, Dec 6 NY Jets
14 Sun, Dec 12 at Chicago
15 Sun, Dec 19 Green Bay
16 Sun, Dec 26 at Buffalo
17 Sun, Jan 2 Miami
The Pats have the 6th hardest schedule in the league and opponents were 136-120 last season. They catch the AFC North and NFC North this season. They do catch most of their tougher non divisional opponents at home. They also play the Lions on the road on Thanksgiving after they play the Colts just 5 days prior. Tough schedule, but look for the Pats to be in the mix as long as Brady is under center.
Key Additions: WR Antonio Bryant, WR Terrell Owens, WR Matt Jones, S Gibril Wilson, TE Jermaine Gresham, DE Carlos Dunlap, WR Jordan Shipley
Key Subtractions: WR Levarnues Coles, K Shayne Graham, RB Larry Johnson
The Bengals come into the 2010 season looking to defend their AFC North title from a year ago. The Bengals did a lot in the offseason to improve the passing game which was not a strength a year ago as they ranked near the bottom in the league. They signed both Antonio Bryant and Terrell Owens and also drafted Jermaine Gresham and Jordan Shipley. With those additions to go along with Chad OchoCinco, the passing game should be much better in 2010. But that all depends on Carson Palmer. Palmer's numbers were not great last year even though he started all 16 games. His 3,094 yards, 21 TD's, and 83.6 rating were all career lows in which he started all 16 games. The strength of the Bengals was their running game. Cedric Benson resurrected his career and rushed for 1,251 yards despite missing two games to injury. With the additions the Bengals made in the offseason to improve the passing game, this could help the Benson and the backfield tremendously. Bernard Scott and Brian Leonard will back-up Benson, but he is the primary guy. If the offensive line can protect Palmer and the Bengals can become much more balanced and consistent, their offense will improve on their 19.1 points per game average in 2009.
The Bengals defense in 2009 ranked fourth in the NFL in total defense lead by defensive coordinator Mike Zimmer. Antwan Odom missed most of the season with injury but is expected to be ready to start the season. The Begals drafted Carlos Dunlap, a troubled but athletic defensive end from Florida who should see some significant playing time. Robert Geathers and Tank Johnson are veteran players who will show Dunlap what it will take to succeed in the league. Linebackers Dhani Jones and Ray Maualuga along with Keith Rivers make up a strong starting 3 linebacking corps. The Bengals ranked 7th in the NFL in rushing defense in 2009. Corners Leon Hall and Johnathan Joseph also are play makers in the secondary and the addition of veteran Gibril Wilson will help make the secondary better in 2010.
Schedule:
1 Sun, Sep 12 at New England
2 Sun, Sep 19 Baltimore
3 Sun, Sep 26 at Carolina
4 Sun, Oct 3 at Cleveland
5 Sun, Oct 10 Tampa Bay
6 BYE
7 Sun, Oct 24 at Atlanta
8 Sun, Oct 31 Miami
9 Mon, Nov 8 Pittsburgh
10 Sun, Nov 14 at Indianapolis
11 Sun, Nov 21 Buffalo
12 Thu, Nov 25 at NY Jets
13 Sun, Dec 5 New Orleans
14 Sun, Dec 12 at Pittsburgh
15 Sun, Dec 19 Cleveland
16 Sun, Dec 26 San Diego
17 Sun, Jan 2 at Baltimore
The Bengals have the 4th hardest schedule in the NFL and opponents were 138-118 last season. The catch the AFC East and NFC South this season. They catch Pittsburgh after the Roethlisburger suspension, but face tough non divisional road games at the Colts and home against the Chargers. Tough schedule any way you look at it, but look for the Bengals to fight hard to retain that AFC North title from a year ago.
New England Patriots
Key Additions: TE Alge Crumpler, WR Torry Holt, OLB Jermaine Cunningham, MLB Brandon Spikes, CB Devin McCourty, TE Aaron Hernandez, TE Rob Gronkowski
Key Subtractions: DE Jarvis Green, LB Junior Seau, CB Shawn Springs, LB Adalius Thomas, TE Benjamin Watson, TE Chris Baker
The Pats come into the 2010 season coming off another division title last season, but they will have a tougher time this year as the Jets and Miami have lowered the gap between them. Tom Brady came back last season after tearing his ACL in the first game of the 2008 season and started all 16 games. He is one of the elite quarterbacks in the league and still has plenty left. Wes Welker tore his MCL and ACL in the finale of the regular season last year and although he is in camp, it is unlikely he will put up the numbers this year he has in the past. More emphasis will be put on Randy Moss and Jullian Edelman will be the primary receivers someone is going to have to step up among the Pats reserves. They brought in a lot of TE's this offseason which will create a lot of options for Brady in the red zone. Expect them to run more double tight end sets with Welker probably out, something they have not done a lot of in the past. The running backs on the team are all over 30 but all produce. Fred Taylor, Kevin Faulk and Sammy Morris probably see an equal amount of carries in order to keep all of them fresh and healthy for the entire season. The Pats have one of the best offensive lines in football that have a good mix of veterans and young players. What it will come down to is when will Welker be back and how will he play.
The Pats began to overhaul their defense last season. Richard Seymour was traded before the season started last year and Jarvis Green is gone. Ty Warren and Vince Wilfork are the leaders of the line and must continue to play at a high level. The Pats drafted 2 Florida linebackers who stood out well in college. Cunningham is a good pass rusher who can be nice in the OLB in a 3-4. Spikes will take more time to develop to get used to the pro game, especially the speed. Jarrod Mayo and Tully Banta-Cain played well last season. With these additions, it just comes down to how well these players pick up the playbook and avoid mistakes. The secondary got some help with the drafting of CB Devin McCourty. Leigh Bodden, Darius Butler, and Brandon Meriweather round out the secondary. The Pats struggled though on third down in passing situations. They were second to last in the league ahead of only Detroit as opponents were 37.7% on third down when passing. By not getting off the field, it wears defenses down the longer the drives go and forces your high powered offense to sit on the bench. The Pats must do a better job of that this season or they will not be playing in Dallas in February.
Schedule:
WK DATE OPPONENT
1 Sun, Sep 12 Cincinnati
2 Sun, Sep 19 at NY Jets
3 Sun, Sep 26 Buffalo
4 Mon, Oct 4 at Miami
5 BYE
6 Sun, Oct 17 Baltimore
7 Sun, Oct 24 at San Diego
8 Sun, Oct 31 Minnesota
9 Sun, Nov 7 at Cleveland
10 Sun, Nov 14 at Pittsburgh
11 Sun, Nov 21 Indianapolis
12 Thu, Nov 25 at Detroit
13 Mon, Dec 6 NY Jets
14 Sun, Dec 12 at Chicago
15 Sun, Dec 19 Green Bay
16 Sun, Dec 26 at Buffalo
17 Sun, Jan 2 Miami
The Pats have the 6th hardest schedule in the league and opponents were 136-120 last season. They catch the AFC North and NFC North this season. They do catch most of their tougher non divisional opponents at home. They also play the Lions on the road on Thanksgiving after they play the Colts just 5 days prior. Tough schedule, but look for the Pats to be in the mix as long as Brady is under center.
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